Killing bugs in outdoor wood??

[Anastasia_k]

Hi all, so I found some great looking branches in the park which I want I put in my vieled's enclosure. At the moment he only has some plants and sticks from the reptile expo in there, which are not long enough to provide for his comfortable movement around the enclosure. When I started cutting the bark off the branches, I noticed some tiny holes that go all the way inside the wood; some of them even had tiny bugs or worms inside. Since it took me some effort to find and clean those branches, I'd like to know if there is anything I can do to desinfect it and keep the bugs out, in a way that's not harmful to the chameleon. I heard about the oven trick but a whole branch wouldn't fit in there.. Could I maybe bake half and then other half while keeping the door slightly open? Or any other tips? Any help would be highly appreciated!

 

[kinyonga]

Why are you talking the bark off the branches? Bark give the chameleon something to grip.

 

[Anastasia_k]

Why are you talking the bark off the branches? Bark give the chameleon something to grip.

Because most bugs live and lay eggs under the bark, at least I've been told so by some reptile keepers. Is there any other way I can get the bugs out?

 

[Nursemaia]

If you use fresh wood, you don't generally have to worry about bugs.

 

[jamest0o0]

Just cut live branches off the trees. I usually spray them down with vinegar and let them sit in sun for a few hours. Rinse off and good to go.

 

[Anastasia_k]

If you use fresh wood, you don't generally have to worry about bugs.

I cut branches that looked less leafy because I didn't want to hurt the tree too much, but some have very obvious bug infestation (holes etc). Should I go for the nice fresh branches instead?

 

[Anastasia_k]

Just cut live branches off the trees. I usually spray them down with vinegar and let them sit in sun for a few hours. Rinse off and good to go.

Which vinegar do you use? I feel bad cutting the live ones and was going for the more dry-looking ones before, but I guess they have more bugs...

 

[jamest0o0]

Yeah, trimming the tree won't hurt it. The dead branches are filled with bugs, most are probably safe, but just be safe.

 

[Brodybreaux25]

Most bugs die if covered in soapy water, they suffocate. Some Dawn in a spray bottle is the only method of pest controll I use in my vegetable garden.

Soak em in warm water with a good dose of antibacterial soap.

 

[kinyonga]

I've never treated any of the branches. I used mostly maple tree branches...they didn't seem to ever have bugs in them.

 

[Anastasia_k]

Thanks everyone! I сut some fresh syringa branches, they don't seem to have any bugs but there is some green moss-like stuff on the bark, so I guess I'll clean it anyway. My guy already had some bark-free branches and doesn't seem to have trouble climbing on them

 

[Carlton]

Using "live" branches means the chance of bugs, but hardly any would cause trouble for your cham. And, once indoors, most garden bugs won't survive anyway. As suggested, to remove the obvious dirt, bird poop, and loose rot, a good scrub with hot water, vinegar, or a diluted bleach solution, rinse well, let dry, and your branches will be fine. Don't scrub off every little bit of bark. Not necessary and the varied rougher texture keeps cham feet in better condition. I don't think I've ever done the oven baking thing. My enclosures are huge....none would fit!